Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police welcomes new mayor

John Robins also thanked Mark Burns-Williamson for his time as West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner. Mr Burns-Williamson has left the role, which now falls under the new mayor's remit.

Chief Constable Robins said: “I wish to congratulate Tracy Brabin on her appointment as the first Mayor for West Yorkshire.

"This is an opportunity for all of us in West Yorkshire to benefit from the devolution of powers and money to a local county-wide mayor and I wish Ms Brabin every success as the first mayor.

“I look forward to working closely with Ms Brabin and her team. I hope we can further improve the already strong partnership approach across West Yorkshire to reduce crime, look after vulnerable people and to make our communities feel even safer.

"I am keen to develop and share ideas, in order to continue to provide the best possible service to everyone in West Yorkshire.

"I will also be taking the time to show the mayor the courageous work that the police officers, staff and volunteers do day in, day out across West Yorkshire, often in complex and challenging situations.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the work of Mark Burns-Williamson OBE, who has been the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire for the last nine years. Before that, he was the chair of the Police Authority and so he has contributed significantly to improving the lives of people across West Yorkshire for over 22 years.

"I know first-hand the hard work, dedication, and commitment that Mark has put into his role as the PCC locally and nationally. A great achievement and a significant contribution to our communities, which I and all of West Yorkshire Police thank him for.”